KOLKATA: West Bengal Police have frozen debit transactions in three Trinamool Congress (TMC) bank accounts containing nearly ₹440 crore, marking a dramatic escalation of an ongoing internal conflict within the ruling party.
The action was initiated following complaints from a dissident faction within Trinamool Congress Party that raised concerns over the handling, control and authorisation of party funds. Authorities have directed the bank to halt all outgoing transactions while allowing incoming deposits until the investigation is completed.
Investigation Underway
Officials said investigators are examining the origin of the funds, patterns of financial transactions and whether all operations were carried out by authorised individuals.
The probe is reportedly being handled by the cybercrime unit under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. Multiple legal provisions relating to alleged financial irregularities, criminal conspiracy and misuse of digital systems are being examined as part of the investigation.
Authorities have clarified that freezing the accounts is a precautionary measure and does not establish wrongdoing.
Internal Rift Comes Into Public View
The controversy is closely linked to an ongoing leadership battle within the Trinamool Congress. Differences among senior leaders have intensified in recent months, leading to competing claims over organisational authority and control of party resources.
Several members from a dissident group approached law enforcement agencies, demanding a thorough investigation into the party’s financial operations and questioning the legitimacy of certain transactions.
The issue has now moved beyond internal disagreements and entered legal and administrative territory.
Former Treasurer Sought Financial Restrictions
The crisis deepened after former minister and former party treasurer Aroop Biswas reportedly requested that the bank maintain a freeze on party accounts until organisational disputes are resolved.
He argued that uncertainty over who currently has legitimate authority within the party could expose its finances to risks if unrestricted transactions continue.
The request was aimed at preserving the status quo until clarity emerges regarding authorised signatories and organisational leadership.
₹440 Crore at the Centre of the Controversy
The three frozen accounts reportedly hold around ₹440 crore, highlighting the substantial financial strength of one of India’s most influential regional political parties.
Political observers say the dispute is not merely about money but also about who controls the party’s future direction and organisational machinery. The financial battle has therefore become symbolic of a larger power struggle unfolding inside TMC.
Opposition and Rebel Voices Demand Transparency
Leaders associated with the dissident camp have called for greater transparency and an independent audit of party finances. They argue that all financial transactions should be subjected to detailed scrutiny to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.
At the same time, critics believe the controversy could damage the party’s image ahead of future electoral contests.
TMC Responds to Allegations
Senior Trinamool Congress leaders have downplayed the controversy and insisted that the temporary freeze should not be interpreted as proof of financial misconduct. The party has maintained that political opponents are attempting to exploit internal differences to weaken its position. Leaders have urged supporters not to jump to conclusions while the investigation remains ongoing.
Political Implications
Analysts believe this may be one of the most significant internal challenges faced by the Trinamool Congress in recent years. What started as an organisational disagreement has evolved into a battle involving finances, legal scrutiny and leadership authority.
The outcome of the investigation and the resolution of the internal dispute could significantly influence West Bengal’s political landscape in the coming months.
For now, the freezing of three bank accounts worth ₹440 crore has transformed an internal party disagreement into a full-scale political controversy that is likely to remain in focus for weeks ahead.
The freezing of three TMC bank accounts holding ₹440 crore signals a serious internal power struggle rather than a proven financial scandal. Beyond the legal probe, the episode exposes organisational cracks within the party.
